I would like to know how old this item is
seth thomas clock model selkirk
it seems fairly rare since I haven't seen another one exactly like this one
I finally cranked it up, doesn't work ! doesn't unwind, looking at the mechanism nothing seems broken, tried forcing the pendulum but no results, sitting there for all that time and it doesn't work !

ticktocktime100, 4 years agoI think this clock is a Plymouth Seth Thomas mantle clock from the 1920's, and your clock has what seems to be a Dual-Chime. Very nice!

ticktocktime100, 4 years agoActually, the chime of your clock is just a single tone as it only has one chime rod.

Bruce99, 4 years agoSeeing how I actually took some time to do some research before I offered my opinion, I think that you're wrong ticktocktime100, again, and not just about the "dual" chime. Where's your reference? If you insist on contradicting what I have to contribute on this board as I try to actually help fellow collectors with accurate and reliable information, the very least you could do is provide an independent reference upon which you base your questionable opinions.

You can "think" whatever you want. I think you're totally wrong and have demonstrated to me that time after time that you just don't seem know what you're talking about when it comes to North American Antique clocks.

And while that's just my opinion, at least I have some facts to base it on.

ticktocktime100, 4 years agoThanks Bruce99,
I just thought I would mention this as I saw one with a similar type of dial and markings, which is my basis. It is true however, that it is good to be as precise as you can when being a source of information so thank you for that. Regards.

Bruce99, 4 years agoWell, we're all entitled to our opinion. I don't know if you take the time to read all of the previous posts before you offer your opinion, but it seems to me that you directly contradict me on items where I've made positive identifications the for collector in question. There have been some occasions where you seem to have completely missed with the collector has said in his or her posting.

I definitely know that I'm not perfect and that I make my fair share of mistakes (at least that many!) If I'm not sure, I'll say so. If I have a definitive reference, most times I'll offer that as well.

You have a lot of nice clocks. I'm sure that you have a lot to offer the C.W. community.

Regards

clermont1, 4 years agoit is nice for all of you to represent an interest on my clock, now to answer a question, how old is it ? now I know, it was built in autumn 1949, I bought a crank to crank it up, the crank does not exactly fit but I managed to crank it up, it doesn't work !
nothing looks broken but I don't have a clue why it doesn't work, I put it on a level surface and gave it a swing but it appears not enough so as the day I aquired it, it is just sitting there as useful as a drawing...

Bruce99, 4 years agoHi Clermont1, it's a mechanical clock with many moving parts. They have to be given routine maintenance. It may just need a good, "proper" cleaning and oiling. Do you know of any good clock/watch repair shops near you?

Bruce99, 4 years agoBy the way, how did you find the date of manufacture? Did you contact the Canadian Clock Museum?

clermont1, 4 years agoit is written on the movements, the month and the year, if you look in the right place, you notice it easily, yes, the museum told me where to look

for it not working, it is probably jammed or stuck, it was left uncranked for probably a long time, one has to be ambitious to crank it up regurlaly so probably the previous got tired on cranking it

Bruce99, 4 years agoOkay, good. I'm glad they could help you. Just for everyone's information, where did you look?

Cranking (or winding), or not winding the clock is not going to cause it to stall. Just like you can't "wind a clock too tight" to cause it to stop running. Typically what you find is dried up, dirty oil which acts like weak glue gumming up the movement Actually, that is a good thing since it prevents the clock from experiencing accelerated wear and tear. Hopefully, that's all it is. It could be many other things.

If you don't like winding a clock, or you don't like the "tick-tock" sound, an antique/vintage mechanical clock is not for you. That's the technology they based on. Some folks like the look of an antique but want the convenience and accuracy of a modern, battery-powered quartz movement. There are some companies making very nice reproductions for people in that market.

Again, just like an automobile engine, these antique mechanical clocks require periodic maintenance if you want them to run.